Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (Credits: Twitter)

India’s stand-in captain Hardik Pandya has insisted that the hosts ‘are not much bothered’ about Jasprit Bumrah’s absence for the three-match ODI series against Australia.

One of the best fast-bowlers in the world, Bumrah continues to remain on the sidelines due to a back issue and will also miss the ODIs against Australia. The right-arm pacer has not played for India since the T20I series against South Africa in September last year.

And he is nowhere close to returning to action any time soon. Earlier this month, Bumrah underwent a back surgery in New Zealand. As per reports, he is likely to resume training and bowling by August as he tries to get fit in time for the 50-over World Cup scheduled to be played in India in October-November this year.

In January this year, he tried to make a comeback to competitive cricket and was named in the India squad for the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, he was withdrawn from the squad on the eve of the first ODI after he experienced niggles in the back.

Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah. Image Credits: Twitter

Hardik Pandya on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence:

While missing a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah will definitely be a big blow for any team in the world, Hardik Pandya has said that Team India are not very bothered about it. Pandya pointed out that the bowlers have been doing well for the team in Bumrah’s absence and tipped them to continue doing a good job.

“Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) hasn’t been around for quite some time now. The bowling group has been doing a decent job. They’re all experienced now, the number of games they have played.”

“Having Jassi makes a massive difference but to be very honest, we aren’t much bothered because the guys who have taken the role of Jassi, I am quite confident they’ll be doing very well. It gives us good confidence,”  said Pandya.

Pandya will be leading the team only in first ODI as skipper Rohit Sharma won’t be playing due to family reasons. The first match is scheduled to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday.

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